Two forest fires have caught Fire Centre’s attention

The Northwest Fire Centre continues to manage two large, modified response fires in the region.

One of these fires is located north of Dease Lake (near Boya Lake Park) and is estimated to be 1,600 hectares in size.

The smoke from this fire may be visible from the community of Good Hope Lake and to travellers along Highway 37.

A total of 40 firefighters have made excellent progress containing this fire along its south and west flanks to protect the highway corridor and stop the fire from expanding into the park.

The northeast flank of the fire is currently not contained, but it is being monitored closely. This area will be patrolled by air to assess the fire’s progress and determine whether further action is required.

A 250-hectare wildfire near Morice Lake is generating smoke that is visible from surrounding communities.

Visible smoke has been reported in communities as far away as Smithers and Kitimat. This fire has been assessed and will be monitored using established “trigger points” that could prompt an additional firefighting response.

The objective for this fire is to allow it to burn within set parameters, while taking care to protect two cabins in the area. Currently, the fire is not burning toward the cabins.

The “modified response” approach to these fires takes into account that fire is a natural part of the forest’s life cycle. Fire returns nutrients to the soil, resulting in new growth and the creation of habitat that is preferred by some wildlife.

Fire also helps remove the build-up of fuels and creates a natural firebreak that will make it easier to deal with future fires.

The Northwest Fire Centre will be sending out patrols during the warmer weather that’s forecast, to spot any fires that were previously undetected and to ensure that the open fire prohibition is adhered to.